Philippians 4:7-8

One of my college professors told me a story of an experiment that was done to test the effects of music.  They used three identical rooms - climate, lighting, sound-proofing were all the same.  They placed identical stereos in each room.  Finally, they placed in each room the same species of plant.  The only thing that was different about each room was the type of music that was played on the stereo.  In one room, heavy metal music was played.  In another, jazz was played.  Yet another, the music of J. S. Bach was played.  This music was played continuously for a certain amount of time. 

When the time was up, they entered all three rooms.  In the room where heavy metal was being played, the plant was dead.  In the room jazz was being played, the plant grew large and tall.  In the room Bach was being played, the plant was growing around the speakers.

Nearly 20 years after I heard this story, I decided to try a similar experiment.  My music of choice was Bach for at least a week.  Because of my job circumstances, and my position at church, I heard other music, as well.  But when it came to personal choice, Bach was it.  His music was played in my car, in my house, in my classroom during my planning period and on my piano.  I noticed results almost immediately.  My attitude began to change.  My stress level seemed to be lower.  It seemed as if someone were encouraging me to relax.  God is in charge.

Though J. S. Bach's music is nearly 300 years old, it was written to the Glory of God.  His music transcends the time and culture barriers and states one thing - To God Be The Glory!

Music is not the only thing we can use to be encouraged.  The Apostle Paul said to the church in Philippi, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."  When we think of the things stated in the verse, it makes us a better person, helps us to recognized God's goodness toward us & helps us to help others.

Let us dwell on the good things, brothers and sisters, so that  "...the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

--Melissa Vincent